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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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New tripawd mom needs backup
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Member Since:
1 December 2017
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6 December 2017 - 11:49 pm
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First I have to say I've learned so much from this site since Whiskey' s surgery (6 days post op, she's the tan shepherd/lab/shelter mutt in my avatar, I couldn't figure out how to upload yet), and I've realized that I should've made my husband change the appointment so we could do more research and be more prepared. Consult was last Monday (Nov 27th), surgery was last Friday (Dec 1). 

Whiskey's right foreleg was removed, should've been removed when we adopted her as a puppy, because it was broken at the elbow as a puppy and I let my vet talk me into just pinning the joint. Fast forward 6 years and her shoulder had major arthritis from holding it wrong her whole life and the elbow was calcified to the point of non function and chronic pain. We'd tried different medications which either did not help or weren't feasible to keep her on long term. 

So now, here we are with a new tripawd, sorely out of our depth. The first night was brutal, they had her on hydromorphone and morphine when we left the vet because for some reason her pain was more intense than they expected. When those wore off, the tramadol and gabapentin did nothing. Back to the vet the next morning for better pain control, but those are still the only two pain meds (and an anti inflammatory) we have for her. Thanks to an article I read here tonight, I'll be asking for the amantadine tomorrow.

They also did not explain to look for phantom limb pain or hyperalgesia, and I can only assume she has at least one if not both of these going on if her lack of appetite, licking, tenderness around the incision and the twitching of her shoulderblade are any indication.

We're working on getting her new furniture, and getting her a joint supplement (suggestions are welcome, there are SO MANY GLUCOSAMINE SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOGS OMG) to stave off arthritis in her remaining shoulder, and getting out other dog, Captain, used to his friend having a wonky gait and not being able to play right now....

Yes, I've had the 'oh god, what did I do?' moments already, at least once a day, but when her pain is reduced I can see in her eyes that she's relieved. We just have to get through the healing process. 

Any other advice, admonishments, suggestions or hell just validation are welcome. way-confused

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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7 December 2017 - 12:00 pm
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Welcome and best wishes for Whiskey! You have come to the right place for backup.way-cool Please start here for help finding more helpful Tripawds resources and assistance programs.

Regarding supplements, you will find many reviews and recommendations in the Tripawds Nutrition blog . It is best to start with a high quality fish oil rich in Omega 3. Better yet, consult with a certified canine rehab vet/tech for the best recommendations for your specific dog. They can also perform an evaluation and prescribe exercises you can do to help keep Whiskey fit and strong. Visit a CCRT or CCRP and the Tripawds Foundation will even pay for your first visit from the Maggie Moo Fund for Tripawd Rehab.

While you wait for comments from others, use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here . Or, consider downloading the Tripawds e-books for fast answers to common concerns and feel free to call the toll-free Tripawds Helpline anytime!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Schofield, WI
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13 August 2015
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7 December 2017 - 3:07 pm
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Yup we've all been there questioning our decision!  It sounds like you've actually got quite a good handle on things so far!  So give yourself a pat on the back!  Things will start getting better and better each day now.  And as they do make sure your beautiful girl doesn't over do.  Slow and steady will win this race.  If your girls appetite is still a bit off well anything goes at this point......chicken, steak cheeseburgers.  Ahh the fun of spoiling a Tripawd!  Food in the tummy will help a lot to take the pills with.  Just take it one day at a time.  By the time the stitches are ready to come out I'm betting you'll be seeing a new and much happier girl!  Hugs!


Member Since:
1 December 2017
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8 December 2017 - 7:07 pm
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linda8115 said
Yup we've all been there questioning our decision!  It sounds like you've actually got quite a good handle on things so far!  So give yourself a pat on the back!  Things will start getting better and better each day now.  And as they do make sure your beautiful girl doesn't over do.  Slow and steady will win this race.  If your girls appetite is still a bit off well anything goes at this point......chicken, steak cheeseburgers.  Ahh the fun of spoiling a Tripawd!  Food in the tummy will help a lot to take the pills with.  Just take it one day at a time.  By the time the stitches are ready to come out I'm betting you'll be seeing a new and much happier girl!  Hugs!  

Thank you so much! Could overdoing it be why the remaining shoulderblade twitches and jerks spamodically? It seems to be painful but when I brought it up to the vet, he seemed to think adding the amantadine would be overkill, and upped her gaba instead. We'll see

See that's the thing, she's not eating much of anything. Vet thinks there's a stomach infection on top of everything else. 

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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8 December 2017 - 7:30 pm
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Hello and welcome.

Many dogs loose their apatite after a major surgery- probably because of the meds including those used during surgery. What did the vet say to do about a stomach infection?  Many here have just had to keep trying all types of foods until they found something that worked and their new Tripawd starts eating.  Not that she needs any more meds but if there is a stomach issue there are anti-nausea meds that might help her eat.

What has Whiskey's activity level been like since surgery?  Our surgeon said only short, leashed potty breaks for the first two weeks post op.

As far as the twitching- it's on the amp side?  You can try some very gentle massage around the shoulder- of course stay away from the incision.  Here is a link to blog posts on massage. Did the vet say anything about icing the incision area? You could try ice packs if she will tolerate it.  10 minutes or so, use a towel between the ice pack and her skin.

Did the vet have any idea why her post op pain was so intense? And they took the leg but left the shoulder blade? It's generally fine if they did leave the shoulder blade- it seems to be what the vet likes to do- some take the shoulder and some leave it.

Hang in there, things will get better.  She couldn't have good life quality with a constantly painful leg!

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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10 December 2017 - 8:41 pm
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We saw a lot of that twitching with our Max too.  I wouldn't be too quick to add any new drug I think they're just involuntary muscle spasms much like when us humans get a muscle jumping if you know what I mean.  Max didn't even seem to notice them.  Maybe try a gentle muscle massage when they happen.  Or like Karen suggested icing it for short periods.  Also if she's not eating much the meds could be upsetting her empty stomach.  Have you tried different foods to entice her to eat?  Protein rich foods would be ideal......hamburgers, chicken, tuna, scrambled eggs, steak.  You could also try some chicken or beef baby food.  Good protein in those and all they have to do is lap it up because it's puréed.  I'm also pretty sure vets also have an appetite enhancer if she's refusing everything.  You can ask.  Is she on an antibiotic?  Hang in there hopefully you'll see improvement soon.  Hugs and keep us posted.  

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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10 December 2017 - 8:42 pm
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As you probably know, the site has had some "issues", so I'm really glad Karen, Linda  and the Admin Guy could respond with some great advice!

You've been given some good questions, so we'll look forward ro hearing back from you.

Just know you are not alone and recovery does not laat furever.....just seems like it!! 🙂   Recovery is no picnic!  It's MAJOR surgery znd it hurts!!Hopefully the Gaba will help with some kf thenpain.  Tramadol and Gabapentin apparently compliment each other.   The pain meds. Eed ro ve given on a consistent basis so the pain never gets ahead star.  You may also want to give the Tram and Gaba maybe an hour apart or so.  Of course, we are not Vets so check with yours.

What did the Vet mean by stomach infection and whst is the treatment he's suggesting and how didnhe diagnosis it?  If he means it's upset because of the meds, as Karen suggested, there are meds he can take for that.

You might try Fresh Pet in the refrigerator section if pet food.  Target carries it as well as Whole Foods.   Just rey basically ANYTHING...cheesburgers, grilled chesses, scrambled eggs, bacon, etc.

Oh, and if you have hardwoods, make sure you have no slip scatter rugs for traction .

And for you?   Eat @ots if CHOCOLATE!!!  You are exhausted and choe always helps! 🙂

STAT CONNECTED!  And dontw hesitate to call the TRIPAWDS HELPLINE shoukd you have any questions or just need support.

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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